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Epistle to the Philippians.
FOR SENIOR CLASSES,
I_AESSCON I.
APRIL 4, 1891.
,INTRODUCTION OF THE GOSPEL INTO
PHILIPPI.
1.
WHEN Paul arrived at Troas, after the con-
ference at Jerusalem, what vision appeared to him?
Acts 16:8, 9.
2.
How did the apostle act upon this vision?
Verses 10-12.
3.
Who were with him? Acts 15 :40 ; 16 :1-3.
4.
What is said of the importance of Philippi?
Acts 16 :12.
5.
What is meant by its being "a colony "? See
note 1.
6.
How was the work begun at Philippi? Verse
13.
7.
What influential woman first accepted the
gospel? Verse 14.
8.
How did she show her love for the cause?
Verse 15.
9.
As the work continued, what attempt was
made to bring it into disrepute? Verses 16, 17.
( 3 )
4
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
10.
How did the apostle . put a stop to this pro-
ceeding? Verse 18.
11.
Was not what the girl said the truth?
12.
Then why did Paul rebuke her? See note 2.
13.
What did the keepers of the girl then do to
Paul and Silas? Acts 16 : 19.
14.
What charge did they bring against Paul and
Silas? Verses 20, 21.
15.
Was the charge true? See note 3.
16.
Nevertheless, what effect did the accusation
have? Verse 22.
17.
How did Paul afterward refer to this action
by the mob? 1 Thess. 2: 2.
18.
After Paul and Silas had been severely beaten,
what was done with them? Acts 16:23, 24.
•
19. What did Paul and Silas do after this cruel
treatment? Verse 25.
20. What truth did they thus demonstrate? Rom.
8:35-39..
-21. What did David say would be the case when
the Lord
-
commanded his loving-kindness? Ps. 42:8.
22. What did lie say would result from meditating
on God in the night watches? Ps. 63.:5; 6.
NOTES.
1. In order to become perfectly familiar with any
epistle, it is necessary to understand as much as pos-
sible of the circumstances attending the writing of it,
and the people to whom it was specially addressed.
In studying these lessons, the student's aim should be
to acquire not only such a knowledge of the epistle
under consideration that be can think through it as
a whole, giving an outline of each chapter, but also
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
to become acquainted with the circumstances of the
people connected with it, so that he can in imagina-
tion live them over. Help in this line will be given
in the notes.. The thorough teacher will find in the
notes suggestions for many questions that are not
written in the lessons. He will also find it expedi-
ent sometimes to expand one_ question into two or
three. Care should be taken, however, not to carry
this so far as to depart from the direct line of the
lesson.
The principal facts which throw light on the epis-
tle to the Philippians are found in the epistle itself,
in the sixteenth chapter of Acts, and in 2 Gor. 8 : 1-5.
in Luke's narrative we learn that Philippi was "the
chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony."
Acts 16 :12. By the term "colony" is meant that
the city was founded, or at least occupied, by Roman
citizens, who had gone there under the direction of
the Roman Government, and who possessed all the
privileges of the inhabitants of the city of Rome.
2. The sixteenth chapter of Acts gives in a graphic
manner the history of the founding of the Philippian
church. Lydia, evidently a woman of some wealth,
readily embraced the gospel, and provided in her
house a home for the missionaries. But Satan could
not allow the work to go on unmolested, and the way
in which he sought to bring it into disrepute was by
identifying his own work with it. The damsel who
followed Paul and Silas, saying, "These men are the
servants of the most high God, which show unto us
the way of salvation" (Acts 16: 16, 17), is said to
have been possessed with a "spirit of divination,"
margin, " python." This means that she was a
priestess of the Pythian Apollo, whose chief temple
and oracle was at Delphi. To this celebrated oracle
people flocked to receive
.
information, just as people
nowadays go to consult famous Spiritualist mediums.
6
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
The damsel was really a Spiritualist medium, whom
.
Satan controlled, and through whom he worked.
The effect of her testimony concerning Paul and
Silas, which was the exact truth, would be to cause
people who were favorably impressed with their
preaching to think that they were in harmony with
her. Paul's course with her was in harmony with
his injunction, "Have
-
no fellowship with the unfruit-
ful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
Eph. 5:11.
3. The miracle which Paul wrought deprived the
men of the gain which came to them through the
girl's soothsaying. This enraged them against Paul
and Silas. The student will recall that on a later
occasion, at Ephesus, a great uproar was made against
Paul and his fellow-laborers, by men who thought
that their unlawful gains were endangered. Men
who have no religion at all will often become appar-
ently very pious when they are made to think that
the preaching of the truth will interfere with their
business. Observers of the signs of the times cannot
fail to sen_that this spirit still is working. Paul and
Silas had not troubled the city. They had gone
quietly about their own work, and all the trouble
had been caused by the men who had brought the
accusation. Satan's work is always to charge upon
the servants of Christ the trouble which he himself
originates.
I_JESSO0IST
APRIL ix, 1891.
SHARING THE CONSOLATION OF CHRIST.
1. RELATE the circumstances under which the.
gospel was first preached in Philippi..
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
2.
Where do we find the record?
3.
What shameful and cruel treatment did the
preachers receive?
4.
What did they do under these circumstances?
5.
As they sang songs at midnight in the prison,
what took place? Acts 16: 26.
6: When the jailer saw the prison doors open,
what was he about to do? Verse 27.
7.
How was he checked ? Verse 28.
8.
What did he then do ? Verses 29, 30.
9.
What was the reply? Verse 31.
10.
Is this sufficient for salvation ? Acts 4 : 12;
Rom. 10: 8-10. See note 1.
11.
What does belief on the Lord Jesus Christ in-
-
volve? Eph 2:10; 1 John 2: 6.
12.
What was the result of the preaching of Paul
and Silas to the jailer? Acts 16:32-34.
13.
What characteristic of a true believer did the
jailer manifest? Ans.-He rejoice'. See Rom. 5:
1, 2, 11.
14.
When it was morning, what did the magis-
trates do? Acts 16: 35.
15.
How did Paul then assert his rights ? Verses
36, 37.
16.
What may we learn from this? Note 2.
17.
How did the magistrates acknowledge the in-
justice of the course that they had pursued? Verses
38, 39.
-
18. When Paul and Silas were liberated, what did
they do? Verse 40. Note 3.
19. In so doing, what words of Paul were they
fulfilling ? 2 Cor. 1: 3-6.
X
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
NOTES.
"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou
shalt be saved." This is the language of inspiration,
and must be accepted as a perfect answer to the jail-
er's appeal for knowledge. We must accept perfect
belief on the Lord Jesus Christ as the alt-sufficient
means of salvation. The reason why so many speak
disparagingly of simple belief, saying, "It is all right
to believe, but we must do something, as well," is
because they fail to realize the wonderful compre-
hensiveness of Bible belief.
Believing,
in the Bible
sense, is
doing.
When Christ was asked by the Jews
what they should do in order to work the works of
God, he replied, "This is the work of God, that ye
believe on Him whom he bath sent." John 6 : 29.
This shows that there is no dajiger of antinomianism
in real faith. Paul says
.
that faith establishes the
law. Roni. 3: 31. That means that it is faith that
does the law, and that the law is " made void," that
is, broken, only by those who do not have faith.
-
Faith is the
substance
of things hoped for. That is,
everything good that we long for, we get in faith. It
is that which brings strength out of weakness, and
light out of darkness, and works of righteousness in
the place of disobedience. Let no one decry faith in
Christ, but let all seek, to know what it is in truth.
2. Paul and Silas had been set upon by a mob,
and the magistrates, in obedience to the dictates of
the mob, had beaten them, without trial, and had
thrust them into prison. Roman justice never al-
lowed a man to be punished without trial and con-
demnation, and it would have been an unlawful
thing to scourge Paul and Silas, who were Roman
citizens (Acts 16
-
: 37), even if they had been justly
condemned. So when the magistrates, having come
•
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
9
to their senses, and knowing that the prisoners had
done nothing worthy of punishment, indifferently
sent messengers telling the jailer to set them at
liberty, Paul stood upon his rights as a Roman citi-
zen, and let the magistrates feel in what a compro-
mising situation they had placed themselves. He
could not have pleaded his Roman citizenship the
night before, and thus avoided the indignity, because
a mob is deaf. But now he couki make the magis-
trates sensible that they were within his power. He
had no idea of using his power to report them to Rome
and have them deposed, and perhaps beheaded; but
there can be no doubt that he designed to take
advantage of the situation, to teach the magisUate a
lesson, and perhaps to secure immunity to some ex-
tent to the disciples. From this we may learn that
it is lawful-at all times to avail ourselves as far as
possible of any natural or civil right that we may
possess, in order to check the violence of persecution.
3. "And when they had seen the brethren, they
comforted them, awl departed." What a wonderful
lesson is in this statement! One would naturally
think that Paul and Silas, after the shameful and
cruel treatment that they had received, were the ones
to be comforted. But im; they had received their
comfort already. They had been sharers in the suf-
ferings of Christ, and he had borne their sorrow for
them.- The happiest men in Macedonia that night
were Paul and Silas. And as God had given them
comfort, they, as good stewards of the manifold grace
of God (1 Peter 4:10), ministered the same comfort
to others. From this we may learn that the proper
way to use trials is not to mourn over them, burden-
ing others in our efforts to obtain sympathy, but to '
take the increase of grace which God always gives in
tribulation, to those who will receive it, and thereby
be able to testify to others with greater confidence, of
the goodness of God.
10
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
LESSON
APRIL 18, 1891.
PAUL'S DESIRE FOR THE CHURCH.
PHIL. 1:
1.
1.
RELATE
the circumsances of the establishing
of the church in Philippi.
2.
How did the Philippians show their appreci-
ation of Paul's unselfish labors ? Phil. 4:15,16.
3.
Did they do this because they were wealthy ?
2 Cor. 8:1-4.
4.
What was the secret of their generosity?
Verse.5.
5.
What was the occasion of Nur; writing his
epistle to them? See note 1.
6.
Whom did he associate with himself in the
salutatign ? Phil. 1 : 1, 2.
7.
What does this indicate? See note 2.
8.
to. whom was the epistle addressed ? Verse 1.
9.
What is the office of bishop? Titus 1 : 5-7 ;
compare 1 Tim. 3:1, 2. See note 3.
10.
With what feeling did Paul always remember
the Philippians? Phil. 1 : 3, 4.
11.
For what was he thankful on their behalf?
Verse 5.
12.
What caused his joy for them? Verse 6. See
note 4.
13.
Why was it fitting that the apostle should
have this thought of the Philippians? Verse 7.
14.
How were they partakers with him in his
bonds? 2 Cor. 8:2; Phil. 1:29, 30.
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
11
15.
Of what did Paul tell them that God was
record, or witness? Phil. 1:8.
16.
What was the burden of his prayers for the
Philippians? Verses 9-11.
17.
In what did he want them to abound more
and more? Verse 9, see margin.
18.
What may we learn by comparing verses 1
and 9?
Ans.—That
the fact that people are saints
in Christ Jesus does not prove that they have reached
the highest state of perfection.
19.
What should be-approved ? Verse 10.
20.
According to the marginal reading, how may
this verse be rendered ? Ans.—"That ye may try the
things that differ." The Syriac has it, " Discern .the
things that are suitable."
21.
What is it that enables men to try the things
that differ and to discern the things that are suitable?
Rom. 2:17, 18.
22.
Having by the word of God fouu.d the. relative
value of things that differ, what must .we do? 1
Thess. 5:21.
23.
What is the proper condition to be in when
Christ comes? Phil. 1 : 10, last part. See note 5.
24.
With what did the apostle pray that the
Philippians (and we as well) might be filled ? Verse
11, first part.
25.
By whom does the fruit of righteousness come?
lb.,
last part.
26.
Who alone can bring. forth good fruit? Luke
6:45.
27.
Then before men can bring forth the fruit of
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
righteousness, what must they receive ? Rom. 5:47..
28.
How is God glorified ? Phil. 1 :11; John
15:8.
29.
How may we bear much fruit? John 15:5.
NOTES.
•
1. From the preceding lessons we have learned of
the establishment of the church at Philippi. - The
epistle written to them makes known to us when and
why it was written. It was when Paul was a prisoner
at Rome. A peculian bond of sympathy existed be-
tween Paul and the Philippian brethren, because
they had been partakers in the sonic afflictions Which
Paul suffered in bringing the gospel to them (Phil.
1:28-30), and
.
because they alone had attended to
his physical necessities (Phil. 4115). So when they
heard that Paul was in prison in Rome, they sent
Epaphroditus, a prominent member of the church,
with things necessary to Paul's comfort. While in
Rome, Epaphroditoshad labored beyond his strength
in assisting and caring for Paul, and had been sick,
so that he was near to death. See Phil. 4:18; 2:
25, 26. It was by him, after his recovery, that Paul
sent his letter to the Philippians, which is remarkable
for the spirit of love and tenderness that breathes
through it.
2.
In this epistle Paul associates Timothy. with
himself. It will be noticed that in the salutation of
nearly all of Paul's epistles, someone is associated
with him. Butit is only in the salutation. It does
not indicate that those mentioned had any. share in
writing the epistle, but simply that theyjoined in the
greeting to the brethren. The body of the epistle is
Paul's alone.
3.
In the Bible, the words " bishop" and "elder "
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
13
are synonymous. See Titus 1 : 5-7, where both words
are used. The word " bishop " is from a Greek word
signifying to look over, to stand guard as a senti-
nel. It is in the sense that the word "overseers" is
used in Acts 20: 28, where we read that Paul told the
elders of Ephesus to take heed to the flock over
which the Holy Spirit had made them overseers.
The idea of being overseers of the flock suggests
shepherds; and in 1 Peter 5 :1-4 we find that the
elders are called under-shepherds, Christ being the
Chief Shepherd. An elder who realizes that his
duties are those of a shepherd will know that harsh-
ness and severity are not to be among his character-
istics.
4.
" Being confident of this very thing, that he
which bath begun a good work in you will perform
it until the day of Jesus Christ." What was the
ground of Paul's confidence in this matter? The
fact that the good work had been begun by the
Lord. " Faithful is He that calleth you, who also
will do it." See 1 Thess. 5: 23,24. A work that
is begun by man, that rests upon human power, will
surely come to ,naught, no matter how good an ap-
pearance it presents for a season. Christ is the only
sure foundation. He is able to complete everything
that he begins; and this thought, coupled. with the
filet of his willingness, as shown in his beginning the
work, should beget the same confidence in all who
have given themselves to him.
5.
The word " sincere " means pure, clear, un-
mixed. The Greek word from which it is translated
has the signification of
tested by the' sun,
as the sun
shining through a substance is the test of whether or
not it is pure, or has an admixture of some foreign
substance. A Christian who is
sincere,
is tinalloyed.
Y4
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS'.
He has not two purposes, but is of a single mind, and
transmits to those around him all the light that he
receives from God.
1_,ESSCIIIN
APRIL 25, 1891.
PAUL'S UNSELFISH DEVOTION TO CHRIST.
PHIL.
1:12-21.
1.
WHAT
was Paul anxious that the Philippians
should understand ? Phil. 1:12.
2.
What had been the result of his imprisonment?
Verses 13, 14.
3.
Of what is this a proof? Rom. 8:28. See
note 1.
4.
In what two ways was the word preached at
Rome ? Phil. 1:15.
5.
What motive had those who preached from
envy and strife ? Verse 16.
6.
What motive prompted the other class? Verse
17.
7.
How did Paul feel in regard to all this?
Verse 18.
8.
Of what was be assured? Ps. 76 : 10.
9.
What lesson may we learn from this? See
note 2.
10.
What did Paul know would be the result ?
Phil. 1:19.
11.
What evidence have we that when Paul said:
"This shall turn to my salvation," he was not think-
ing of the simple preservation of his life ? Acts 20,
24.
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
1.5
.
12.
What was his expectation and desire? Phil.
1 : 20.
13.
With whom had he fully identified himself?
Verse 21.
14.
In what did he take pleasure? 2 Cor. 12:10.
15.
Before Paul started on the journey which led
to his imprisonment, for what did he say that he was
ready? Acts 21:13.
16.
For whose sake was he ready to die?-1b.
;
Phil. 1 : 20.
17.
Then whose gain did he have in mind when
he said " to die is gain " ? See note 3.
18.
What shows that he had no selfish thought ?
Gal. 2 : 20. •
NOTES.
1. "And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God." The superficial
observer might fail to see the fulfillment of this in
the case of Paul. The trouble is that too many in
reading the text think only of selfish good. They
do not realize that everything is good which tends to
the advancement of the cause of Christ. And when
one has accepted God's will as his will, and realizes
that God is ordering all his ways, he knows and feels
that nothing but good can come to him. This is the
only sure preventive of complaining at one's lot,
and worrying over the future. Paul's cruel treat-
ment at Philippi would have been called by some the
worst thing that could, happen to him; nevertheless,
if it had not been for that, it is most likely that the
jailer and his family would not have heard the gos-
pel. It worked to the good of the jailer, and then to
the honor of Christ, and this was good to the apostle,
who had no ambition but to honor his Master, That
16
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
he felt that it was good is shown by the fact that he
sang over it. Happy the soul who can say :—
" Let good or ill befall,
It must be good for me,
Secure of having Thee in all,
Of having all in Thee."
2.
There were two classes of people who preached
the gospel in Rome, as a consequence of Paul's im-
prisonment there. One class was moved by a sincere
love of the truth, the other by envy. The latter
class was no doubt composed of people whom Paul
would never have thought of commissioning to preach
the gospel, but he did not waste time in mourning,
and thinking that the work was all going to pieces
because he could not direct it. He knew that he
himself was Only a servant, and that the Master was
competent to care for his own work. He knew that
the truth would triumph, even if he should die.
Although there is
t
no evidence that these men were
preaching false doctrine, since they preached .the
word, and Paul rejoiced at it, we may learn a lesson'
that may be applicable in cases where Men oppose
the truth; for certainly the truth is more in danger
from indiscreet advocates than from avowed opposers.
The lesson is that the truth cannot suffer in the long
run, because it has a power in itself. "Is not my
word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a ham-
mer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" Jer. 23:29.
3.
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Those who understand this verse as though it read,
." For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain
to
me,"
can have but a very imperfect conception of the
spirit of the great apostle to the Gentiles. To read
such an idea into the verse-is to do violence to the
whole passage. Even if we know nothing of Paul's
character but what we find here, we might learn that
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
/7
Paul has no thought of personal gain (even if that
could be secured by . death), but only of gain to
Christ. The whole passage is full of expressions of
desire for the advancement of the cause of Christ.
Paul's imprisonment has resulted in the furtherance
of the gospel, and he rejoices, knowing that he is set
for the defense, not of himself, but of the gospel: In
verse 20 lie says that his earnest expectation and
hope is that Christ should be magnified in his body,
whether by life or by death. How forced and tin=
natural, then, the supposition that in the very next
sentence he should break the continuity of his
thought, and speak about his death being a gain to
himself! No; Paul was ready to die "for the name
of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 21: 13), and as his whole
life was given to Christ, his only thought of death
Was that it might also tend to advance the cause.
}LESS
-
PO N V.
MAY 2, 1891.
THE BLESSED HOPE. PHIL.
1:22-3o.
1.
WHAT was the one thing that absorbed the
apostle Paul's thoughts? 1 Cur. 2: 2; Phil. 1:18.
2.
Whose honor and glory did he wish promoted ? -
Phil. 1 : 20.
3.
What was his sole wish both for his life and
his death? Verses 20, 21; ActS 21 : 13.
4.
How much choice had he, then, between life
and death ? Phil. 1:22.
5.
III what condition was he? Verse 23, first
part.
•
6.
But what did he earnestly desire, as best of
all? Verse 23, last part.
18
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
7.
Did Paul expect to be with Christ and receive
his reward immediately upon his death? 2 Tim. 4:
- 6-8.
8.
Of what day was he speaking when he said
that a crown should be given him "at that day "?
Verse 1.
9.
Can Christ's disciples be with him sooner by
dying? John 13:33; 7:34.
10.
What must take place in order that they may
be with him? John 14:1-3.
11.
What did Paul himself say, " by the word of
the Lord," as to the only means by which Christ's
followers could be with him ? 1 Thess. 4: 15-17.
12.
Then when Paul, with no choice between life
and death, desired to be with Christ, as the best thing
of all, for what must he have longed?
13.
Where else do we find Paul using similar
language? 2 Cor. 5: 4. See note 1.
14.
When only will mortality be "swallowed up of
life"? 1 Cor. 15:51-54.
15.
What other apostle longed for Christ's com-
ing? Rev. 22:20.
16.
What are the coming of the Lord and the res-
urrection called? 1 John 3: 2, 3; Acts 23:6; Titus
2:13.
17.
For whose sake wasa necessary, however, that
Paul should abide in the flesh? Phil. 1: 24.
18.
What did he therefore know that he should
do? Verse 25.
19.
How did he expect to cause the Philippians to
rejoice? Verse 26.
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
19
20. What was his exhortation
-
to them? Verse 27.
See note 2.
21_ What manner of life becomes the gospel of
Chri,t? 1 John 2:6; Eph. 4:1-3.
22.
How were the Philippians to feel- when their
enemies raged? Phil. 1:28.
23.
Of what two things was the persecution an ev-
idence?—/b. See also 2 Thess. 1:4-7.
24.
Why is persecution a manifest token of salva-
tion to thos'e who are persecuted?
-
2 Tim. 2:11, 12;
3:12; Roth. 8:17.
•
25.
What great privilege, therefore, was given fo
the Philippians? Phil. 1:29,-30.
26.
How did the apostles feel when they were -
_
persecuted? Acts 5:41.
NOTES.
1. The passage in Phil. 1:22, 23 is parallel to
2 Cor. 5:1-4, in which three different conditions are
brought to view, by the expressions, "this tabernacle,"
or "this, "unclothed," and "clothed upon," or "be-
ing clothed." There_ can be no question but that
being in "this tabernacle" signifies our present life,
when we, as Paul says in Phil. 1:24, "abide in the
flesh." Compare 2 Peter 1:13, 14. The condition
of being "clothed upon" is the state wherein mortal-
ity is "swallowed up of life;" and that is at the
coming of the Lord and the resurrection, when this
mortal puts on immortality, and death is swallowed,
up in victory. 1 Cor. 15:51-54. When we put on
immortality, we are "clothed upon with our house
which is from heaven," which is eternal. Conse-
quently, the "unclothed" state must be the time be-
, tween the putting off of "this tabernacle" (compare
2.Peter 1:14) and the putting on of the house from
20
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS".
heaven. In other words, it is the state of death.
But the apostle says that while we groan to be re-
leased from the burden of "this tabernacle,"—this
infirm flesh,—we do not groan to be unclothed, but
rather to be clothed upon. That is, the object of the
Christian's longing is not death, but the coming of
Christ. And since, also, none can be with Christ
except at his coming, it is evident that when Paul
said
.
that he had a desire to• 'depart and be with
Christ, he did not long for death, but for the time of
the resurrection of the dead and the translation of
the living.
-
2. The word "conversation," in every place where
it occurs in the Bible, bas either an entirely different
or else a far wider signification than the one now
commonly given to it. In Ps. 37: 14; 50 : 23 it
means " way," as the margin indicates, mid as the
Revised Version has it. In Gal. 1:13 it is evident
that the word means Paul's whole course of life as a
Jew. In Eph. 2 : 3; 4: 22 it also means "manner of
life." This is the Most common meaning of the word.
The Greek word from which it is translated is the
same that is rendered "behave" in 1 Tim. 3 :15. In
Phil. 3:20 the word "conversation" means "citizen-
ship." We are to be strangers and pilgrims on this
earth, having our citizenship in heaven, whence we
look for the Lord Jesus, who has gone there to
prepare a place for us. In Phil. 1:27 the Revised
Version has "manner of life," and the margin gives
the reading, "live as citizens, worthily." The idea is
•
the same, and is in harmony with the statement in
Phil. 3:20. Our citizenship is in heaven. There is
our continuing city, and there our names are entered
on the great register. Therefore we are to have
our manner of life such as becomes those who say
that they seek such a country. In other words, we
should live as citizens of heaven. This present world
is not the Christian's country. Heb. 13:1.4.
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
1,IES'SC_)TN VI.
MAY 9, 1891.
IN HONOR PREFERRING ANOTHER.
PHIL.
1.
BY what does the apostle exhort to unity?
Phil. 2 : 1, 2.
2.
What is the force of the expression, "If there
be therefore any consolation in Christ," etc.? See
note 1.
3.
How could the Philippians complete Paul's
joy? Phil. 2 : 2. See also Rom. 12:15, 16, margin;
15:5, margin; 1 Cur. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11.
4.
What must be avoided in everything? Phil.
2:3.
5.
What always accompanies strife and Vain-
glory ? James 3:16.
6.
What are the evil works that accompany
strife? Gal. 5:19-21.
7.
When each esteems others better than himself;
what will it be easy to do? • Rom. 12:10.
8.
Upon what are we to look? Phil 2:4. See
ncte 2.
9.
What mind should be in us? Phil. 2:5.
10.
What did Christ's mind lead him• to do?
Verses 6-8.
11.
How did Christ resemble the Father? Verse
- 6; Heb. 1:3.
12.
How did he regard equality with God? Phil.
2:6.
13.
What does this verse prove as to the equality
of Christ and the Father? See note 3.
22
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
14.
What was Christ, and what did he . have, in
the beginning? John 1:1; 17:5.
15.
What did he make himself? Phil. 2:7; John
1:14; Heb. 2:9.
16.
When he "emptied himself;" did be lay aside
his divinity? John 1:14; 2 Cur. 5:19.
17.
What only did he lay aside for a time? John
17:5.
18.
Why did not Christ, in heaven, esteem it a
thing to be desired to retain his glory? 2 Cor. 8:9.
See also note 3.
19.
How poor did he become? Luke 9;58; Isa.
53:3.
20.
How greatly did the Author of life (see Acts
3:15, margin) humble himself? Phil. 2:8; Heb.
2:9.
21.
Because of his humiliation, what has the Fa-
ther done? Phil. 2:9.
22.
Who is to do homage at the name of Jesus?
Verse 10.
23.
What must every tongue confess? Verse 11..
24.
Will all the wicked also eventually acknowl-
edge Christ's power? Isa. 45:23, 24; Rev. 6:13-17.
25.
What wonderful prophetic description have
we of universal homage to Christ? Rev. 5:6:44.
Let the school sing "Coronation."
NOTES.
1.
"
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ."
The exhortation which these words introduce is evi-
dently a conclusion from what has gone before. The
idea is that through persecution the Philippians have
been brought to understand the consolation there is
EPISTLE TO THE.PHILIPPIANS.
23
in Christ, and the fellowship of the Spirit. And
now, by the strength of that consolation and fellow-
ship, they are exhorted to be of the same mind.
Compare chapter 1 : 27. The word "if" does not
imply any doubt about there being consolation in
Christ,,or fellowship of the Spirit (see 2 Cor. 1:3-5);
hut the apostle would make the well-known fact a
strong incentive to unity. Since they all receive con-
solation from Christ, whose sufferings they share, and
have the fellowship of the same Spirit, they must
be of the same mind.
2.
"Look not every man on his own things, but
every man also on the things of others." Phil. 2:4.
The sense of the verse is very forcibly expressed in
the Syriac Version, thus: "And lei not each be so-
licitous [only] for himself, but everyone also for his
neighbor." Compare 1 Cor. 11:25.
3.
"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not
robbery to be equal with God." Allowing this to be
the exact rendering of the passage, it shows the
,equality of the Father and the Son. For if Christ
did not think it robbery to be equal with God, then
it certainly, was
not
robbery to be equal with God;
and if it was not robbery for Christ to be equal with
God, then equality with God was his by right; to be
equal with God he did not have to take that which
did not belong to him. This idea is more clearly set
forth in the Revised Version, together with the
marginal reading. Thus: "Have this mind in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus; who being in the
form of God, counted it not a prize ["a thing to be
grasped," margin] to be on an equality with god,
but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant."
The idea is that while Jesus, having the form of
God, had also equality with God, he did not count
that position a thing to be grasped or held to, while
24
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIAX.'.
he saw. men going to perdition without hope. He
could not enjoy the glory of heaven without trying to
save fallen man. This is the perfect pattern of un-
selfishness. He desired not simply his own welfare,
but that of others ; he found his highest joy in con-
tributing. to the joy of others. This•enables us to
understand what Christ means when he says, "Enter
thou into the joy of thy Lord." It means that the
faithful servant will have the joy that Christ has,
namely, of seeing the happiness of souls who have
been brought to that happiness by means of his self-
denial. The thought conveyed in Phil. 2:5-7 is one
of the grandest of the Bible. A contemplation of it
cannot fail to beget love for Christ, which will mani-
fest itself in tender love for those for whom he died.
Reid Rom. 15:1-3; Matt. 20:26-28; Rom. 12:5;
Eph; 4:25; Rom. 14:7, 8.
11.,ESSC)IN
•
MAY
16, 1891.
THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
1.
WHAT
can you say as to Christ's equality
with the Father?
2.
Of how much honor is he worthy? John 5:
22,23.
3.
What did the Mind that was in him lead him
to do?
4.
Yet even when he came into the world hum-
bling himself as a servant, what was he still worthy
to receive? Heb. 1:6.
5.
How are we to exhibit the same mind that
vas
in Christ?
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
2•
6.
What has been done to Christ in consequence
of his humiliation? Phil. 2:9-11; 1 Peter 3 : 22.
7.
If we have the same mind of humility that was
in
Christ, what will be done to us? James 4:10;
1 Peter 5: 5,6.
8.
What may be said of the greatest sufferings
that we may endure? 2 Cor. 4:17 ; Rom. 8 :17,18.
9.
In view of all that Christ has done, what
further exhortation is given? Phil. 2 :12.
10.
Who is it, after all, that does the work? Verse
13.
11.
To whom are we indebted for the first impulse
to do right ? John 6: 44.
.12. And how is the work to be perfected ? Phil.
1 :
6; Heb. 13 : 20,21.
13.
How should all things be done? Phil. 2 :14 ;
compare 1 Cor. 16:14.
14.
If we obey this injunction, how shall we be?
Phil. 2 :15.
15.
In what relation shall we stand in the world?
16.
What is the office of the church of God in the
world ? Matt. 5 : 14-16.
17.
What is held forth by those who are the light
of the world? Phil. 2:16. .
18.
Whence does all the light for the world come?
John 8:12; 1: 4-9.
19.
Then if Christians are the light of the world,
whose character must they exhibit?
20.- If Christ is thus held forth, what will be the
result? John 12: 32,
26
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
LESSON
-
VIII.
MAY 23, I89:.
FAITHFUL SERVANTS. PHIL.
2:16-30.
1.
IF the professed followers of Christ do all
things without murmurings and disputings, what will
they he and do?
2.
What will they hold forth? Phil. 2:16.
3.
When they contend among themselves, each
one for his own opinion or way, are they holding
forth the word of life?:,
4.
What did Christ say would be the result of the
unity of his disciples? John 17: 21, 23.
5.
How did Paul feel at the prospect of pouring
out his life as-a sacrifice that the faith of the disciples
might be strengthened? Phil. 2:17.
6.
What did he hope soon to do? Verse 19:
7.
How highly did he esteem Timothy? -Verse
20, see margin.
•
8. How did Timothy differ from most others?
Verses 21, 22.
9.
What hindered Paul from sending Timothy at
once to the Philippians? Verse 23. See note •1.
•
10.
What hope •did Paul cherish concerning him-
self? Verse 24.
11.
Whom, however, did he send at once? • Verses
25, 28.
12.
Who was Epaphroditus? and how did he hap-
lien to be with Paul? Verse 25; chapter 4:18.
13.
What happened to him while he was in Rome
waiting on Paul? Phil. 2:26, 27,
EPISTLE TO THE PFHLIPPIANS.
14.
How did Paul exhort the brethren to receive
him? Verse 29.
15.
How had Epaphroditus shown his devotion to
the cause? Verse 30.
16.
Does the phrase " to supply your lack of serv-
ice toward me" imply that the Philippians had been
remiss in their attention to Paul ? Phil. 4:15, 16.
17.
Wherein, then, was the lack? Verse 10.
18.
What had the Philippians• thus shown them-
selves prompt to do ? Gal. 6:10.
19.
What served to make them more mindful of
Paul's need? Phil. 1: 30.
20.
Give an outline of the first and second chap-
ters of the epistle to the Philippians, to jether with a
statement of the relation existing between Paul and
the Philippian brethren, and the circumstances under
which the epistle was written.
NOTE.
1. The last part of chapter 2 throws a great deal
of light upon Paul's situation when he wrote the
epistle'to the Philippians. He was in prison, await-
ing his trial. Epaphroditus had come from Philippi
with assistance for him, and while waiting on him
was taken sick, doubtless with one of the fevers for
which Rome is noted. Paul's anxiety was not for
himself, but for the brethren in Philippi, not only for.
their spiritual welfare, but because they worried about
Epaphroditus. So he sent him back, although he
really needed his help, and designed, moreover, to
send Timothy. But he did not yet know how it
would go with him at his trial. He might be put to
death, he might have a little respite, or he might be
set at liberty. As soon as he should find out how
his case would turn, he would send Timothy, thus
28
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIf'I?J.A_NS.
parting from his dearest and truest friend and helper.
The unselfishness of Paul's character, and his dis-
regard of personal trouble, and his uniform cheerful-
ness, are nowhere else so clearly exhibited as in the
epistle to the Philippians.
LESSON
MAY 30, 1891.
KNOWING CHRIST. 'PHIL:
3: 8-7.
1. WITH what exhortation does the third chapter
of Philippians open? Phil. 3 : 1.
2.. How important does this admonition seem to
be?
Phil. 4:4 ; Heb. 3: 6.
3.
Who only can rejoice in the Lord
.
? Rom. 5:
1-3,11.
•
4.
What was necessary for the safety of the dis-
ciples? Phil. 3:1.
5.
Against what (lid he warn them? Verse 2.
See note 1.
6.
What is meant by the "concision"?
The circumcision,
i. e.,
the Jews. See verse 3.
7.
Why was the church warned against them ?
See note 2.
8.
Who are the truly circumcised? Phil. 3 :3.
9.
Where else are we plainly told what consti-
tutes true circumcision? Rom. 2 : 28,29.
10.
What alone did circumcision indicate? Rom..
4:11.
11.
Were circumcised people counted as children
of Abraham if they had not righteousness ? Rom. 4:
12 ; Matt. 3 : 7-9.
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
-
29
12.
If an outwardly circumcised person had not
righteousness, how was his circumcision counted?
Rom. 2: 25.
13.
Who alone is man's righteousness? 1 Cor. 1:
30 ; Jer. 23:5, 6.
14.
Then in whom must all who were ever really
circumcised have trusted? Phil. 3 : 3 ; Col. 2:10, 11.
15.
If outward observances would avail for any-
body, how did Paul stand? Phil.
4.
16.
What were the things in which he once trusted?
Verses 5, 6.
17.
How could he trust in his zeal in persecuting
the church`? Acts
26:9.• •
lb. Why was he not perfect, since he was blame-
less "touching the righteousness which is in the law"?
Rom 3:20. See note 3.
19.
Notwithstanding all these things in which men
trusted, how did he count them for the sake of
Christ? Phil. 3:7.
20.
Why was this necessary ? Acts 4 :12.
NOTES.
1. "Beware of dogs." The word" dog" is used in
the Bible as a term of reproach. See 1 Sam. 17 :43 ;
2 Sam. 3 : 8 ; 9 : 8 ; 16 : 9. Front the connection of
2 Sam. 3 : 8 and Deut. 23: 18 we gather that it is
used to signify a shameless, corrupt person. See also"
Rev. 22:15. Men
-
who were guilty of nameless
crimes against nature were very common among the
heathen (Rom. 1:27), so much so that many of their •
wisest philosophers, as Socrates, made no secret of
these crimes, and commended them. There was,
therefore, great need of such warning.
30
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
2.
"Beware of the concision." From the matter-
of-course way in which the apostle goes on to explain
what the concision is, as contrasted with that which
is only outward, we conclude that by the word "con-
cision" he means "circumcision." This was a term
used synonymously with Jews, but is here used with
special reference to those Jews who trusted in cir-
cumcision as the means of justification. These were
classed with dogs and evil workers, as 'equally dan-
gerous, for they would turn all who listened to them
away from the simplicity of the gospel, a proceeding
classed with the beguiling of Eve by the serpent.
2 Con 11 : 3, /1.
3.
" Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touch-
ing the righteousness which is in the law, blameless."
Besides his birth and his orthodox training, the two
points above mentioned were perhaps the things on
which Saul, the Pharisee, depended most fbr salvation.
Believing that the traditions of the fathers were the
commands of God (see Mark 7: 7, 8), he was " more
exceedingly zealous" for them than any other man
in the nation. Therefore the more he persecuted
those who opposed traditions, the more favor he
thought he was finding with God. Then, too, he was
a Pharisee of the strictest sect. .,That is, he was more
punctilious in the outward observance of the law
than were most even of the Pharisees. So fearful
were the Pharisees of violating some of the command-
ments that they added many things not required by
' the law. Many of the Pharisees were hypocrites,
but• Paul was not. If we may take the, seventh
chapter of Romans as portraying some portion of his
own experience before his conversion, we shall con-
clude that his religious life was something like that
of Luther in the monastery of Erfurt. Extreniely
conscientious, he never knowingly did a wrong act,
and never did anything in which another could de-
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
31
tect any wrong. He had all the righteousness that
a man can possibly get out of the law. But when
he saw the righteousness of the law as it is in Christ,
he acknowledged that all the self-righteousness upon
which he had been building his hopes of salvation,
Was so far short of perfection that it was sufficient to
condemn him;. and he gladly counted it worse than
useless, that he might receive the free gift of Christ's
perfect righteousness.
LESSON
JUNE
6, 1891.
THE HEAVENLY CALLING. PHIL. 3:
7
-1
4.
1.
WHO does Paul say are the truly circumcised?
2.
How did he himself stand with respect to out-
ward things in which men trust?
3.
Yet how did he regard them as compared with
Christ? Phil. 3: 7, 8.
4.
What is shown by the fact that Paul counted
all things as worthless, that he might win Christ?
See note
1.
5.
How did he desire to be found ? Phil. 3 : 9.
6.
What was the matter with his own righteous-
ness, which was of the law? Rom. 8 :3, 8; Isa. 64:6.
7.
What was the righteousness which the Phari-
sees had? Matt. 23: 25-28.
8.
But what does the Lord require? Ps. 51: 6.
9.
Who is the embodiment of truth ? John 14:6.
10.
Then how can we have truth in the inward
parts as God desires? John 14 : 23; Eph. 3 : 17.
See note 2.
32
EPISTLE TO 7'HE PHILIPPIANS.
•
11.
Will there be any lack then? Eph. 3:17-19;
Col. 2:8-10. See note 3.
12.
What did Paul want to know? Phil. 3:10.
13.
Who are the ones that know the Lord?
Titus 1:16; James 2:23. See note 4.
14.
What was the power of Christ's resurrection?
Acts 2:24.
15.
How is it that we are to know' that power?
Eph. 1:15-20.
16.
What is assured to those who know the fellow-
ship of Christ's sufferi .gs? _Phil. 3 : VI, See also 2
Tim. 2 : 11, 12; Rom. 8:17 ; 1. Peter 4:12, 13.
17.
Did Paul count his victory gained? Phil. 3:
.12, 13. See note 5.
18.
When only will the warfare end? 2 'rim. 4:
6-8.
19.
What.did Paul forget? Phil. 3:13.
20.
For what was he continually reaching? 'Verses
13, 14.
21.
What is the calling of God in Christ Jesus?
1
Cor.
1:9; 1 Thess. 4:7; 1 Peter 1:15.
22.
And what does this involve? Eph. 4:15; 1
Peter 2 :1., 2 ; 2 Peter 3:18.
23.
Where must we look in order to attain this
growth? Heb. 12:1, 2.
NOTES.
1. The fact that Paul counted all his own right-
eousness as dung that he might win Christ, is evi-
dence that there was nothing in it that would in the
least help him in the way of salvation. As he wrote
to the Romans, there is no difference between Jew
and Gentile; no one has anything that will commend
l'PISTLE TO THE
PHIL
IPPIAN.t.
him to the favor of God. And if he had to count
all his natural advantages as nothing in order to win
Christ, then those advantages could be of
no
help to
him after gaining Christ.
2.
The righteousness which is by faith of Jesus
Christ is that perfect righteousness which_ the law
requires, but which it cannot give to any man. This
righteousness God gives freely to those who have
true faith in the blood of Christ. See Rum. 3:21-25.
When it is imputed, it not only cancels the sins of
the past, so that they are no longer counted against
the sinner, but it changes the man, making him right-
eous, so that, out of the good treasure of his heart, he
may bring forth that which is good,
3.
There is nothing that so much exalts the law of
God as the plan of salvation through faith in Christ.
The fact that righteousness must be received as the
free gift of God, shows that the righteousness of the
law is perfect; that it is far above human grasp.
There can be no true morality without faith in Christ.
Any scheme of religion which proposes to gain right-
eousness by men's own works, without faith in Christ,
must necessarily tend to immorality, by setting up a
low standard. Thus: The man who says that he
can work out his own righteousness, thereby pro-
claims that his standard of morality is no • higher
than his own acts. But this is not all. There is no
one who will not acknowledge to having sinned.
Now, in order that a perfect moral character be pre-
sented, it is necessary that the man make up the
deficiencies of the pa4. He must now do more than
lie is required to do, in order to make up for past
failures. Thus he advertises that his conception of
morality is so low that his acts surpass it. So no
matter how loudly he may talk about morality and
•
progress, he is all the time unconsciously getting
lower and lower.
34
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
4.
Only those know Christ who believe and obey
him. Knowledge of God is in the Bible made
synonymous with obedience to him. It-is said of the
sons of Eli that they "were sons of Belial; they
knew not the Lord." 1 Sam. 2 :12. They knew of
the Lord; they were priests, from whom the people
were to receive knowledge of God; yet their wicked
deeds showed that they did not know God. But
Abraham, who had perfect faith in God, is called the •
friend of God.
5.
" Not as though I had already attained, either
were already perfect." The thing to be attained is
in the preceding verse said to be the resurrection of
the dead. The idea that seems to be conveyed is
that as probation ceases only at the coining of Christ
and the resurrection, unless iu the case of a person
who dies before that time, no living person can count
himself safe. The Christian life is a continual strug-
gle that will end only with life in this world. No
matter how exalted a man's position nor how great
his attainments in holiness, he is never in this life be-
yond the necessity of patient continuance in well-
doing. There is always before him the possibility of
still higher attainments..
LESSON X.I.
JUNE
.
3
, .3
9
,
THE HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP. PHIL. 3:15-2I.
1.
WHAT was the one thing that Paul wanted to
know and have ? Phil. 3:8.40.
2.
Did he count himself as having reaclied the
goal, so that all danger was past? Verse 12.
-
3. What did he keep doing? Verses 13, 14. -
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
35
4.
What exhortation does he give to others?
Verses 15, 16.
5.
What is the "same rule" by which we should
walk? Gal. 6:14-16.
6.
What confidence did Paul, by the Spirit of the
Lord, have in the course which he
was
pursuing?
Phil. 3:17.
7.
-
Would he have us follow him regardless of
Christ? 1 Cor 11:1; Eph. 5:1; 1 Thess. 1:6.
8.
What necessity is there for taking note of those
who walk according to the rule set forth by Paul?
Phil. 3:18, 19.
9.
Instead of minding earthly things, what should
we mind? Col. 3:1, 2, margin.
10.
Why should we do this? Phil. 3: 20.
'11. What is the sense of the word "conversation"
in this verse? See Revised Version and note 1.
12.
If our citizenship is in heaven, how shall we
hold ourselves as relates to this world? 1 Peter 2:
11; Heb. 11:13-16.
13.
How did King David, in the height of his
power, regard himself? Ps. 39:12.
14.
Since our citizenship is in heaven, for what
purpose do we look for the Lord Jesus! John 14:
1-3.
15.
Before taking us to the eternal mansions that
.
he has prepared for us, what will he do? Phil. 3:
21; 1 Cor. 15:51-54.
16.
What other scriptures corroborate the state-
ment that we shall be fashioned like unto Christ's
glorious body? 1 John 3:2; Rom. 8:17; 18; Matt.
13:43; Dan. 12: 1, 3.
36
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
17. What is the power by which this wonderful
transformation will be effected? Phi]. 3:20, 21; Col.
1:29; 2 Peter 1:3.
:NOTE.
"
For our citizenship is in heaven." This is the
proper reading of the first part of Phil. 3:20. The
word "citizenship" expresses the exact meaning of
the Greek word. The idea is that this present world
is not our home. Our citizenship is in heaven, where
is our King; there is the city which contains our
permanent residence; and we look for our Saviour to
take ns there according to his promise. Therefore
;
as stated in Phil. 2:27, "we should live as citizens
worthily."
LESSON
JUNE 20,
1891.
FAITH AND PEACE. PHIL. 4: 1-8.
1.
Wrrii what exhortation does the fourth chap-
ter of Philippians open? Phil. 4 : 1, 2.
2.
What evidence of care did he show for those
who, in a humble capacity, had labored with him in
the gospel? Verse 3.
3.
What general exhortation is again given?
Verse 4.
4.
What is said about anxiety? Verses 5, 6.
5.
Why is there no need of being anxious? Matt.
6 : 25-32 ; 1 Peter 5 : 7.
6.
Since God knows that we need these things, of
what is anxiety on our part an indicatio
.
Of unbelief either in God's power or his willingness
to help.
EPISTLE TO THE PgILIPPIANS.
37
7.
Knowing all these things, how should we make
our requests to God ? Phil. 4 : 6.
8.
What must a person believe when he can re-
turn thanks for a blessing while asking for it? Mark
- _11:24.
•
9.
When one has such faith as this, what will he
the result? Phil. 4 :7; Rom. 5 : 1.
10.
Is the peace of God passive or active? Phil.
4 : 7.
11.
What is the final exhortation in the epistle?
Verse 8.
12.
What determines a person's character? Prov.
23 : 7.
13.
Then what is the character of thos
e
e who think
of that which is true, just, pure, and good?
14.
What is charity, or love? Rom. 13: 10.
15.
And what is one of its chief characteristics?
1 Cor. 13 : 5, last part.
16.
What is the first characteristic of the wisdom
that comes from above? James 3 : 17.
LESSON
JUNE
27, 1891.
GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT.
PHIL. 4: 9-23.
1.
WHAT example does Paul again tell the breth-
ren to follow ? Phil. 4 : 9.
2.
From whom had Paul received the things
which he delivered to others ? Gal. 1 : 11, 12; 1 Cor.
11:23.
38
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS.
3.
And whose example were they following
in
doing the things they had seen in him? Gal. 2: 20.
4.
What caused him rejoicing? Phil. 4:10.
5.
Did he rejoice for his own sake or for theirs.?
Verses 11, 17,
6.
What important secret had Paul learned?
Verses 11-13.
7.
With what are we exhorted to be content?
Tim. 6: 7, 8.
8.
For what is godliness profitable? 1 Tim. 4 :8.
0. Since godliness is so profitable, what must
always be joined with it? 1 Tim. 6 : 6.
10. How attentive had the Thessalonians been to
Paul's necessities? Phil. 4:15, 16.
11. What had caused a break in their service *to
him?' Verse 10, last part.
12. How was Paul situated at the time of writing
the epistle? Verse 18.
13. What did he say that this gift was? Ib.
,
last
part.
14. What condition of the Philippian brethren
made this offering so acceptable to the'Lord? 2 Cor.
8:1-5.
15. What wonderful assurance was given to them
and to us? Phil. 4:19.
16. How great are the riches in Christ? Eph.
3 : 8.
17. Of what may we be assured since God gave
his Son for us? Rom. 8 : 32.
18. Then what may we unite in saying? Phil.
4 : 20; Eph. 3:20, 21.
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